As strenuous challenge or contemplative retreat, the parks and other units of the national lands offer welcome respite from the world, a safety valve for body and spirit.
— T.H. Watkins
Date Created: December 2, 1980.
Location: Kenai Peninsula in south-central Alaska, USA.
Size: Approximately 669,984 acres (271,133 hectares).
By land, sea or flight – Kenai Fjord is one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska. By land, the Exit Glacier north of Seward has several hiking trails for views of this receding glacier. If you have a day available the 8.2 mile Harding Icefield Trail is a strenuous but (I’m told) great workout. By sea, there are several tour options. I chose Kenia Fjords Tours and had an amazing 8 hour adventure. First, it was a warm (t-shirt weather at 62 degrees), brilliantly sunny morning sailing out of Resurrection Bay and the wildlife was loving it! On the journey countless humpback whales, several pods of orcas, shy harbor seals, loud sea lions and two playful otters were spotted. Birds: eagles, both horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, murrelets and gulls flew, swam and swooned across our path. It was incredible! Additionally we passed four glaciers. Spending some time at Holgate Glacier was a definite treat. To watch the calving of ice, some the size of a house, then listen to the rumble like a prolonged thunder was a bucket-list experience. Our captain said that this was a rare day – one of the finest in his 25 year experience. I didn’t take a flight but was thrilled with the boat tour and hike to view the blue Exit Glacier. Amazing! Simply amazing.
